Protests Escalate as Serbian Police Block Demonstrators’ Entry to State Tv

Tensions escalated in Belgrade immediately as police fashioned a cordon across the headquarters of Radio Tv Serbia (RTS), stopping hundreds of demonstrators from reaching the state broadcaster. Protesters, who’ve accused the community of biased protection and authorities management, have been met with a big police presence as they tried to march towards the constructing.

The demonstration started peacefully in Republic Sq., the place organizers delivered speeches criticizing what they described as the federal government’s growing management over media shops. Protesters carried banners studying “Free the Media” and “RTS Belongs to Residents, Not the Regime.”

Authorities had declared the march route towards RTS headquarters unlawful earlier this week, citing public security considerations. Regardless of this, protesters tried to push via police strains, resulting in a tense standoff that lasted a number of hours.

“We simply need our public broadcaster to signify all residents, not simply authorities pursuits,” mentioned Milan Jovanović, one of many protest organizers. “The police blockade immediately solely proves our level about state management.”

Authorities officers defended the police motion, stating that they have been defending public property and sustaining order. Inside Minister Aleksandar Vulin insisted that “nobody is above the legislation” and that protesters had did not safe correct permits for his or her route.

Worldwide press freedom organizations have expressed concern about media independence in Serbia in recent times, with Freedom Home and Reporters With out Borders each noting declining press freedom indicators within the nation.

This marks the third main demonstration targeted on media freedom in Serbia this 12 months, with protest organizers vowing to proceed their marketing campaign till reforms are applied on the state broadcaster.